Celebrate VIU grads
Convocation is a time for the university community to come together and celebrate the success of our graduating students.
This site contains all the information for guests, students and employees. This page has all the information for guests. The site will be updated as more information is available for 2026 convocation ceremonies.
Convocation and Semelshun Indigenous Graduation Recognition Ceremony
Week of June 8 to 12, 2026, VIU Nanaimo campus
Programs are assigned to ceremonies in early March. We wait until March to ensure each ceremony is roughly the same size. Ceremony size is determined by the number of students who apply to graduate, and students have until February 28 to apply to graduate.
Information for guests
Tickets
Graduating students request tickets when they submit their application to graduate. Please ensure your graduate gives you your tickets as we can't admit anyone without a ticket. Every guest, including infants, must have a ticket.
Venue and ceremony details
The ceremonies are in the gym at our Nanaimo campus. There is bleacher style seating and the ceremonies are about two hours long. Consider bringing a small cushion for your comfort.
Reception
Following the ceremony, we invite you to enjoy light refreshments and meet your grad's professors and classmates. The reception is in the Main Cafeteria (Building 300). There will also be food trucks on site.
Photo opportunities
There will be a professional photographer at the reception taking professional headshots of grads, and there will be flower walls set up outside for selfies.
Alternate viewing options
You can watch livestream video of the ceremonies in Building 210, Room 275. You can also watch the ceremony livestream on YouTube.
Parking
Free parking is available in most VIU parking lots. Accessible parking is available in lot Q, accessed from Fourth Street.
Accessibility accommodations
Guests with significant mobility challenges can be dropped off on the south side of the gymnasium.
Guests in wheelchairs or who require special seating arrangements should have their graduate email graduation@viu.ca well before the ceremony to make arrangements.
Need a place to stay?
The VIU Summer Hotel offers affordable accommodation
Our hotel features a variety of room options, including four- and two-bedroom suites and single rooms. Enjoy spectacular views, free guest parking and campus amenities!
Get a bouquet for your grad
The Commencement Group will be on site in the gymnasium on ceremony days with a selection of bouquets and other gifts. You can also order ahead of time to guarantee you get the colour or size you want.
Contact us
Email Graduation@viu.ca.
Graduation requirements
For questions or concerns about your graduation requirements, please contact your Degree Advisor or Program Coordinator.